'Jesse Jackson always showed up': Alabama leaders on death and legacy of civil rights icon

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, legendary civil rights leader and historic presidential candidate, died Tuesday at 84.

Jesse Jackson's influence on history is profound, as he not only witnessed it but actively shaped it, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate across the nation.

Jesse Jackson didn't just witness history; he helped shape it. And his legacy still echoes across this nation. From Alabama to the world stage, Jackson's voice pushed America to live up to its promises.

Jackson had Parkinson's disease and had been receiving around-the-clock care at home and was recently hospitalized for observation of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurological disorder, according to his Chicago-based organization.

Across Alabama, a state central to the struggle that shaped his life’s work, reactions from people who have been impacted by his legacy have poured, reflecting on his influence on the Civil Rights Movement and his lasting legacy.

The following statements are in alphabetical order of last name.

Rep. Shomari Figures

"My introduction to Jesse Jackson, Sr. was not as the Civil Rights champion and icon, but as a friend of my father. My dad, Michael Figures, ran Jesse Jackson's Alabama campaign during his historic runs for president in 1984 and 1988. For decades after my father died, Mr. Jackson would always greet me with, "How's Vivian?" [my mother] before proceeding to tell me stories about my dad. As a child, I didn't fully understand the proximity to history I had in being connected to Mr. Jackson, but as I grew older, I appreciated it more and more. This was a man who marched and led alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, Fred Shuttlesworth, and countless other civil rights foot soldiers. This was a man who fought tirelessly to keep hope — and the dream of equality — alive.

"Jesse Jackson always showed up. Whether in Mobile, AL to protest with my father after the murder of Michael Donald, or in Iran to free American hostages when the U.S. government couldn't do it, or in Selma every year to commemorate Bloody Sunday. Jesse Jackson advocated for America to be its best self. There's a part of me that wonders if Mr. Jackson and my father ever thought in their wildest dreams that over 40 years after they met, they would have children serving together in the U.S. Congress. But I know that answer would be yes, because that's exactly the type of future they fought for.

"I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Jacqueline, and the entire Jackson family for the loss of this giant in the fight for civil rights and equality for all."

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones

"Louise and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure who was constantly working to bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice, and who never forgot Alabama. Whether fighting for voting rights, workers’ rights, criminal justice or Medicaid expansion, Rev. Jackson showed up, spoke out and pushed Alabama and America to be better. While his voice is now silenced, his inspiration and example lives on. Rest in power my friend."

Rep. Terri Sewell

“My heart breaks for the passing of Civil Rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Rev. Jackson’s life was a testament to the power of faith, moral conviction, and unrelenting activism. A beloved spiritual and Civil Rights leader, his voice uplifted countless communities and inspired change across generations.

"Whether fighting for voting rights, economic opportunity, or the dignity of every person, Rev. Jackson’s commitment to justice helped sustain the momentum of The Movement. His moral leadership challenged our nation to live up to its highest ideals, and his courage reminded us that change requires both persistence and compassion.

"Rev. Jackson taught us to ‘keep hope alive’ - to keep pushing, keep organizing, and keep believing that justice is within reach if we remain steadfast. He understood that voting rights are the lifeblood of our democracy, and he never shied away from calling out injustice wherever it lived. His work helped expand opportunity for millions, and his legacy will continue to shape our nation for generations to come.

"My heartfelt condolences are with the family of Rev. Jackson. May his legacy continue to guide us, his spirit continue to strengthen us, and his vision for a brighter future continue to move us forward.

"May he rest in peace and power.”